Ryman League round-up

Maidstone's Stuart King challenges the Leatherhead goalkeeper at the Gallagher Stadium on Saturday Picture: Martin Apps

Maidstone United's title hopes in Ryman League Division 1 South were hit by a 3-2 defeat at home to third-placed Leatherhead in front of more than 1,800 fans on Saturday.

Click here for a match report.

Faversham secured their top-four place with a 2-1 win at Walton Casuals. Jamie Maxted headed the Lilywhites ahead on 21 minutes but despite Mu Maan levelling before the break, Luke Harvey netted the winner five minutes from time to make it nine away wins for Ray Turner’s side.

Despite losing 2-1 at Worthing, Sittingbourne remain fifth. A Billy Medlock penalty and Scott Kirkwood goal in two minutes just before the half-hour were followed within seconds by a long-range Joe Taylor drive but the Brickies could not find a leveller.

Bourne were done a favour by Whitstable Town, who held sixth-placed Crawley Down to a goalless draw at The Belmont. Down saw Jack Page sent off 20 minutes from time but held on to claim a point.

Ramsgate are a point behind Sittingbourne after a 1-0 home win over Chipstead. Tom Chapman hit the only goal 17 minutes from time.

Folkestone Invicta are a further point back after a 5-0 cruise at Tooting, who saw keeper Darren Behcet sent off after just two minutes for bringing down Richard Atkins.

Phil Stevenson converted the resultant penalty and Frankie Chappell headed Invicta 2-0 in front after half-time. Dane Luchford and an own goal doubled the lead before Atkins completed the scoring late-on.

The promotion hopes of Hythe Town were hit by a 4-2 home defeat to Eastbourne – their fourth straight defeat.

Ross Treleaven scored a hat-trick for the visitors and although Dave Cook fired his 19th league goal of the season and Ronnie Dolan made it 3-2 after the break, Treleaven set-up Matt Aldred to score the other.

Herne Bay continued their revival as they came from behind to win 4-2 at Merstham. The hosts took the lead through Joe Holland on nine minutes but Tunji Agbajae levelled within a minute and Dean Grant and Tom Bryant made it 3-1 just after the half-hour.

Fabio Saraiva made it 3-2 after the break but Billy Bennett sealed the win 17 minutes from time.

Craig Holloway tasted defeat in his first game in caretaker charge of Margate as they missed out on the chance to return to the top five of Premier Division with a 1-0 defeat at Wingate & Finchley.

In Division 1 North, Thamesmead Town went third after beating runaway leaders Maldon, who had only lost once previously.

Sean Roberts opened the scoring on 18 minutes but despite Jamie Guy’s penalty drawing the Essex side level after the turnaround and Ashley Probets missing a spot-kick at the other end, Rob Carter headed a winner six minutes from time.

Garry Tilley earned Chatham Town a point at Sudbury with a 55th minute equaliser after James Baker had put the hosts ahead from the penalty spot two minutes before the break.